Before administering medication for the first time, which information should be gathered?

Gathering vital signs and allergies is essential prior to administering medication for the first time because it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Vital signs provide crucial information about the patient's current physiological state, indicating whether they are stable enough to receive the medication. For example, elevated blood pressure might influence the administration of certain drugs, while an unusually low heart rate could necessitate caution.

Knowing a patient's allergies is equally important, as this information can prevent adverse drug reactions that could occur if a medication contains allergens or substances the patient is sensitive to. This step is part of the broader nursing and medical responsibility to ensure patient safety and to promote positive outcomes from treatment.

In contrast, while social media history, family preferences, and personal hobbies may contribute to understanding a patient's context and fostering a good therapeutic relationship, they are not critical pieces of information directly related to the immediate safety concerns tied to medication administration.